Principal Engineer I – Heat Transfer

Jobtailor; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior Mechanical Heat Transfer Engineer to lead heat exchanger design, thermal modeling, and temperature prediction for heap leach stockpiles in a mining environment. You will develop and validate large-scale thermal models, optimize heat transfer performance, and drive improvements in heat recovery and thermal management.

The role requires a strong background in heat transfer principles, first-principles analysis, and experience with ANSYS/COMSOL/CFD/MATLAB/Python.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline with 7 years experience OR Master’s with 5 years OR PhD with 3 years
• Demonstrated expertise in heat exchanger design, sizing, and troubleshooting (LMTD, effectiveness-NTU, fouling, pressure drop)
• Ability to develop and validate thermal models of large-scale systems such as heap leach stockpiles
• Working knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and transport phenomena
• Proficiency with thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, CFD, MATLAB/Python
• Experience with heated-raffinate delivery, boilers, steam systems, or industrial water heating in mining/process environments
• Ability to travel domestically 1–2 times per month, up to 3 days; internationally 2–3 times per year, up to 2 weeks

Responsibilities

• Lead heat exchanger design, sizing, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Lead development, calibration, and validation of thermal models for pile temperature behavior
• Drive design and optimization of heat exchanger systems and heated raffinate distribution networks
• Develop thermal retention strategies to improve sulfide leaching kinetics and metal recovery
• Apply first-principles thermal analysis to predict pile temperature behavior
• Monitor and evaluate emerging technologies and best practices in heat transfer and thermal management
• Perform other duties as required

Skills

Heat Exchanger Design

Thermal Modeling

LMTD Analysis

Fluid Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

CFD

MATLAB

Python

Job description

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in mechanical heat transfer principles, including conduction, convection, radiation, and heat exchanger design
• Support heap leach and hydrometallurgical operations
• Serve as the organization’s leading expert in heat exchanger selection and design, stockpile thermal modeling, and thermal management within leach environments
• Lead development, calibration, and validation of thermal models predicting heat generation, distribution, and loss within stockpiles
• Drive design and optimization of heat exchanger systems and heated raffinate distribution networks
• Develop thermal retention strategies to improve sulfide leaching kinetics and maximize metal recovery
• Lead heat transfer studies involving conduction, convection, and radiation within heap leach stockpiles
• Apply first-principles thermal analysis to predict pile temperature behavior
• Lead design, specification, sizing, selection, optimization, and troubleshooting of heat exchanger systems
• Apply LMTD and effectiveness-NTU analyses and address fouling to improve heat transfer performance
• Monitor and evaluate emerging technologies, industry best practices, and technical advancements in heat transfer, thermal modeling, heat recovery, and thermal management systems
• Perform other duties as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related engineering discipline and seven (7) years of experience in related engineering field; OR Master’s degree and five (5) years; OR PhD and three (3) years
• Demonstrated expertise in heat exchanger design, sizing, and troubleshooting (LMTD, effectiveness-NTU, fouling, pressure drop)
• Ability to develop and validate thermal models of large-scale systems such as heap leach stockpiles
• Working knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and transport phenomena
• Proficiency with thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, CFD, MATLAB/Python
• Experience with heated-raffinate delivery, boilers, steam systems, or industrial water heating in a mining or process environment
• Ability to research and analyze complex information and draw valid conclusions
• Awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to travel domestically 1–2 times per month, typically up to 3 days per trip
• Ability to travel internationally 2–3 times per year, typically up to 2 weeks per trip
• Mandatory pre-employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in mechanical heat transfer principles, including heat exchanger design and thermal modeling, with a strong focus on optimizing heat transfer performance and maximizing metal recovery in leach environments. Proficient in applying first-principles thermal analysis and utilizing advanced thermal modeling tools to support engineering operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Heat Exchanger Design
• Thermal Modeling
• LMTD Analysis
• Fluid Mechanics
• Thermodynamics

Hard Skills

• Heat Transfer Principles
• Thermal Analysis
• Thermal Management
• Heat Exchanger Sizing
• Troubleshooting
• Thermal Retention Strategies
• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
• Heat Recovery

Soft Skills

• Complex Problem Solving
• Clear Communication
• Analytical Thinking

Industry Keywords

• Heap Leach
• Hydrometallurgical Operations
• Mining Engineering
• Occupational Safety
• Industrial Water Heating

Tools & Technologies

• ANSYS
• COMSOL
• CFD
• MATLAB
• Python